Jolly Dragoon- W. Poole (Som) 1905 Hammond
[From Henry Hammond Manuscript Collection (HAM/2/3/6),
R. Matteson 2018]
The Jolly Dragoon- sung by William Poole of Taunton (in One of the Arm House), Somerset in June, 1905. Collector is H.E.D. Hammond.
"My father is a lord, and a lord of high degree,
If I should wive a soldier, it would pull his honour down,
For it's my birth and your birth, they would never agree,
So take it as a warning, bold dragoon," said she.
"A warning, a warning, I never intend to take,
For I'd rather die than leave you all for your sweet sake."
Oh then he pressed her hand, made the lady's heart to bleed,
Straightway to the church they got married with speed.
As they were returning from the church back again
She met her aged father and seven armed men,
"Oh now," said the lady, "We both shall be slain."
"Oh, fear not at all," says the jolly light dragoon.
"Hold up your hand bold dragoon there is no time to rattle,
For don't you see there's armed men, all fitting for the battle?"
With his sword or his cutlass, he made their bones to rattle,
And the lady held the horse while the dragoon fought the battle.
"Come stay your hand, bold dragoon, you've boldly held your ground,
You shall have my daughter and thirty thousand pound,"
"No," said the lady, "my portions is but small,"
"Fight on, my jolly dragoon, and you shall have it all."
Come all you young ladies that have got gold in store,
Don't never disdain a soldier because they are poor,
Although they are poor they will fight for their own,
Here's a health to Victoria and a jolly dragoon.